This research seminar will discuss the creation of the Modern Middle East by tracing its history from the nineteenth century. The scope includes Iran in the East and Libya in the West, with emphasis on Egypt and the rise of Arab nationalism in Jordan, Iraq, and Syria. The creation of the state of Israel receives special attention. During the opening weeks, the focus is not only on the Palestine question but also on the overthrow of the Musaddiq government in Iran by the CIA in 1953; and the consequences of the discovery of oil.
One of the main requirements is met by students submitting a weekly critique of the reading assignments. In the latter part of the seminar, the focus will shift to the post-war Middle East with special attention given to critical events such as the Iraqi revolution of 1958. Members of the seminar will have the opportunity for original research in the documentary series published by the Cambridge University Press. The requirement is a relatively short research paper of about 20 double-spaced pages (about 6000 words). Drafts of the research papers are circulated to all members of the seminar for annotation, comment, and discussion.
This research seminar will discuss the creation of the Modern Middle East by tracing its history from the nineteenth century. The scope includes Iran in the East and Libya in the West, with emphasis on Egypt and the rise of Arab nationalism in Jordan, Iraq, and Syria. The creation of the state of Israel receives special attention. During the opening weeks, the focus is not only on the Palestine question but also on the overthrow of the Musaddiq government in Iran by the CIA in 1953; and the consequences of the discovery of oil.
One of the main requirements is met by students submitting a weekly critique of the reading assignments. In the latter part of the seminar, the focus will shift to the post-war Middle East with special attention given to critical events such as the Iraqi revolution of 1958. Members of the seminar will have the opportunity for original research in the documentary series published by the Cambridge University Press. The requirement is a relatively short research paper of about 20 double-spaced pages (about 6000 words). Drafts of the research papers are circulated to all members of the seminar for annotation, comment, and discussion.
Grades are determined by attendance and participation in discussion (25%); the weekly critiques (25 %); and the research paper (50%).